|
|||||||
Revisit
the Environmental Philosophy of Bhagavad Gita |
|||||||
Paper Id :
18284 Submission Date :
2023-11-11 Acceptance Date :
2023-11-19 Publication Date :
2023-11-25
This is an open-access research paper/article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. DOI:10.5281/zenodo.10441380 For verification of this paper, please visit on
http://www.socialresearchfoundation.com/anthology.php#8
|
|||||||
| |||||||
Abstract |
Today's world is a world of technology and science. Despite
living in a progressive society, our life is constantly being contaminated with
environmental issues like global warming and pollution. With the advancement of
science and technology, we become more prone to environmental crisis and
degradation of this beautiful planet. Bhagavad Gita, one of the most beautiful
philosophical songs, teaches us that it is responsibility of every human being
to recognize the earth as our mother and protect her from all kinds of
exploitation of environment . Motive of the paper is to discuss how the Bhagavad
Gita attempts to maintain ecological balance through religiosity,
self-realization and yoga, as well as through self-control and knowledge. |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keywords | Bhagavad Gita, Environment, Nature, Krishna, Karma. | ||||||
Introduction | Bhagavad word comes from the word Bhagwan which means the God
the supreme power and the word Gita means the song. Thus the meaning of
Bhagavad Gita is the song of the God. The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is
undoubtedly the most significant work of religious literature in the world. The
mystick contains the divine message delivered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. Bhagavad
Gita contains unique ideas that are inaccessible, unfathomable, and infinite.
The divine message is conveyed through verses in the Gita by Krishna. An
integral part of scripture integration is the narrator of authoritative
statements narrated in an effective manner, which effectively provides the
message of divine guidance to mankind at all times. |
||||||
Objective of study | The aim of this study is to examine and elucidate tell the
environmental ethics embedded in the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture,
with a focus on understanding the philosophical principles that guide human
interaction with nature. this research aims to highlight the relevance of the
Geeta's teaching in the context of contemporary environmental ethics, providing
insights into how its ethical principles can contribute to fostering a
sustainable and harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment. |
||||||
Review of Literature | The literature
on the environmental ethics of the Bhagavad Gita is limited but steadily
growing. several scholarly works and articles have explored the philosophical
aspect of the Geeta, shedding light on its teaching related to nature and ethical
conduct. key themes emerge in the existing literature: 1. Dharma and environmental responsibility 2.
interconnectedness and Oneness 3. non attachment and sustainable living 4. Ahimsa and respect for all life 5. Yogik wisdom and environmental consciousness
Limited |
||||||
Main Text |
In the Bhagavad
Gita, there is an ocean of nectar and knowledge. In the Gita, Lord Krishna
explains to Arjuna that so long as a living being has a body, he is obligated
to perform action according to his nature. Locomotion, rest, feeding, thought,
and other vital sensory functions are included in the activities.[1] “None can
remain inactive even for a moment for everyone is helplessly driven to action
by nature born qualities” These
activities are performed under the impulse of one,s nature, and carried out by
their ancestors therefore plants, animals, and microbes are all involved
in their natural activities .Further, they play an essential role in the
ecological cycle. Biologically, plants are primary producers. Using sunlight,
they combine water molecules with carbon dioxide to form energy stores mainly
in the form of carbohydrates. The plants extract minerals from the soil and
produce food for animals. Various herbivorous animals, including deer, goats,
cows, and rabbits, eat plants. further the carnivorous like lions and tigers
feed on these animals. all these plants and animals on earth are decomposed by
the microorganism, including the bacteria and fungi . Therefore in an
ecosystem, it is observed that all forms are interdependent like a chain. Gita states
that the environment plays a significant role in changing a being from
un-manifestation to manifestation stage.[2] Evolution and
extinction have always been taking place in nature. new forms are evolved at
the expense of weak forms. Life is a series of experiments to get at the
permanent as there is constant change in the environmental cycle, which
may be slow, resulting in the formation of a new condition. Therefore whatever
form an individual may have with the change of environment, modification with
respect to the altered environment is required for their survival. Natural wealth
includes man has been composed by selectively eradicating some species
while advancing others. Extinction and evolution are natural processes. Species
disappeared naturally during the course of time. It is estimated that
one-quarter of the earth's species may be extinct by the 30 years due to the
adverse effects of human activity, which has accelerated the rate of expansion.
A large monoculture is the focus of mass production in modern agriculture,
which has seriously reduced ecological diversity. The planet’s natural wealth
lies not in species but in genetic variation within them. The purpose of
the scripture is to guide man to live a perfect life on earth and should
constantly remember the ultimate goal that is super mundane and that should be
pursued diligently. Thus, man is required to act in nature in accordance with
scripture in order to prevent disruption of the natural cycle.[3] At the 1982
United Nations general assembly, the world charter stated that "Every form
of life is unique, warranting respect and recognition from man, and that this
should be done in accordance with a moral code of action.". The explosive
attitude towards nature is leading to species extinction and pollution, and
depleting reserves of land and wildlife. Lord Krishna
has analysed the cause of the decline of natural wealth. He has examined the
person involved and the reason for their unethical behaviour.[4] It is said that
acts which are directed towards the general well-being of men are commendable
in the Gita. These are designated as moral acts of earning and living,
while actions that are accompanied by evil consequences deserve to be chewed
over and ought to be avoided.[5] In order
to purge demonic disposition, men do not understand that they should undertake
only those activities that are worthwhile and should abstain from those which
are not. According to them, this universe, created by animate and inanimate
creatures, is not governed by any moral or divine law. It is believed by them
that living beings have no existence before they are not born nor do creatures
live after they die, nor is there a creator or controller like God.[6] The atheistic
persuasion denies the existence of God. They are body centred or materialists.
Therefore their nature gets debased, and they never feel inclined to perform
any virtuous deed. Their mind is ever busy hatching evil designs
against others. They habitually use their mind speech and body in the
gruesome deeds that tend to inanimate and exterminate the animate and inanimate
creations. the accumulation of wealth and pleasure of luxuries of various kinds
is the sole aim of their existence.[7] Those with a
demonic disposition call themselves lords of all, and they enjoy all luxury in
every way. Lord Krishna argues in the Bhagavad Gita that a just fight is
required against these demoniac people, in this case against those who are
involved in poaching, deforestation, ozone depletion, pollution of the
environment, and other acts that have contributed to the current situation of
the earth.[8] Lord Krishna
claims that each member of society has a responsibility to contribute to the
well-being of nature and to advance to the best of their abilities, and he
refers to these individuals as Warrior class men. It is necessary to wage
battle against the demonic individuals accountable for the current status of
the world. There is no better religion than this in which there is
participation in such a righteous war for a righteous means. 9 The lord
continues to state that if a man abandons the fight, he is guilty of abandoning
his allocated task, and those leaders, legislators, environmentalists, and
others who have gained worldwide acclaim for their good deeds would be
completely destroyed and lost.[10] The lord tells
Arjuna that losing credit and honour is more painful than death for a man with
widespread recognition and popular favour. As a result, a firm course of action
is required.[11] In Gita , it is said that a course of action is required
to rectify the damage that has already been done to nature. There should be no
waste of effort or fear of negative outcomes when taking action. Even a small
amount of effort or discipline practise is a step in the right direction. The lord states
that for any act there are two courses jnana yoga or the path of knowledge and
karma yoga the path of action. For the survival of the planet and the substance
of the biodiversity, the action line demons these two factors. By the path of knowledge,
one has to determine the factors responsible for the loss of biodiversity and
by the path of action the practical aspects are required to be taken into
consideration and to evolve and implement such methods for the restoration of
the plants and animal species. Therefore for
the Substances of the biodiversity and smooth functioning after natural cycles,
the role of environmental education At the Grass root level is very important.
According to Bhagavad Gita to take up any challenges the two points which are
required to be taken into account are Gyan yoga the path of knowledge and karma
yoga the path of action.[12] 'For any
knowledge that man intends to obtain, he must review the scriptures,
experience, practise, realisation, and search the true nature,' says the Lord.
As a result, one should carry out his responsibilities in a calm manner, taking
into account the social order and stage of life in which he finds himself.
Karma Yoga calls for selfless activity that is free of egoism, desire, and attachment.[13] God has
provided a unique opportunity and means to men not only to care for themselves
but also for other living beings. He by virtue of Desire and intelligence has
been rearing animals, and growing plants thereby increasing their population.
this role of his may be termed as a constructive role for nature. nature
believes in rational creation and not destruction. no doubt the advanced
Technologies acquired by man are useful for his development but their
irrational use has caused death and it effect in the functioning of
nature. Moreover, the damage being caused to nature cannot be overlooked for
long. it is high time that serious attempts should be made to rectify the
mistake. this can be done by sacrifice. the act of sacrifice is performed either
for knowledge or along with the path of action.[14] Sacrifice,
therefore, is the highest conduct of life and the opportunity is provided only
to men to translate it into action. it only prevails at an ethical religious
and spiritual level. It is practised by those who have attained the status of
enlightenment. in this sacred act one offers, his best for the well-being of
others without any feeling of return. It is desirable
to make a sacrifice for the common good of men. They are identified as ethical
activities that are worthy of completing, and any action that has negative
results is one that should be avoided.[15] It is
time for a sense of sacrifice to be introduced. Man must stop using nature and
its natural resources in order to prevent biodiversity loss. A man should
appreciate and utilise nature by becoming one with it. Excessive greed, want,
or deprivation is the root causes of all evil in nature. They're all bad for
nature's health and resources. In Bhagavad
Gita, these aspects are discussed as well as solutions to overcome today's
pressing issue. Gita refers to
desire as the root of all evils. The desire for enjoyment drives a person to
attach to the various objects of enjoyment and drags him to sinful conduct
against his will.[16] The desire for
enjoyment can never satisfy it, because it is insatiable. Indulging in it more
and more leads to loss of self. Thus, appeasement and enjoyment cannot defeat
desire as the enemy.[17] Though man is
endowed with the power of rational reasoning, he often violates the moral code
implied by a rational being. As Krishna explains the meaning of karma to
Arjuna,[18] he makes it clear that he may or may not believe in the
existence of God, he may or may not seek guidance from the lives of the great
people of the past or from the scriptures, but he can certainly make a decision
based on his own reasoning.[19] Unlike humans,
wild animals do not possess the ability to differentiate between what is
desirable and undesirable. By virtue of his brain, man has achieved significant
instrumental achievements. His actions and karma have a great influence on the
planet. Having a sacrificing spirit in his head and in his heart will guard him
against a fault and enable him to have peace of mind. Those who
understand the theory of Karma are well aware that man should aim for only
those things that will benefit both himself and others. Despite humans
slaughtering animals or killing them indiscriminately, it is unjustified to
cause pain to defenceless creatures. In addition to depleting biodiversity,
unwarranted destruction of life threatens the very existence of humans, as well
as ecosystem balance. The Gita
further teaches a man to follow the path of non-violence. The concept of
nonviolence in this context refers to not arresting the progress of any entity.
People who are striving for enlightenment should not harm animals in order to
make progress toward enlightenment.
The lord
Krishna in Bhagavad Gita has compared evolution with a banyan tree.
"tree" represents the evolution of life and is a symbol of that
evolution. By the leaves of a tree, life appears to us to be self-expressive.
It is possible to describe the variety of leaves on a tree as exhibiting
biodiversity. The senses allow a species to learn about its environment, enabling
the animal to adapt and survive in this environment. People assume that the
entire universe belongs to them and they are its owners, but that's not true.
It belongs to God. God supervises nature according to the Bhagavad Gita. Though
the nature is not humans creativity but it is the creativity of God so we
have no right to destroy it .it is still ours to make. |
||||||
Conclusion |
In conclusion the
Bhagavad Gita provides a profound philosophical foundation for environmental
ethics, promoting a holistic and interconnected approach to human nature
relations. as humanity grapples with pricing environmental challenges, the
geeta's timeless wisdom offers valuable inside for postering sustainable and
ethically grounded co existence with the natural world. |
||||||
References | 2. Bhagavad
Gita 2-28 3. Bhagavad
Gita. 16.24 4. Bhagavad
Gita 16-7 5. Bhagavad
Gita 16.7 6. Bhagavad
Gita 16-11 7. Bhagavad
Gita 16.18 8. Bhagavad
Gita 2-31 9. Bhagvad Gita
2.31 10. Bhagavad
Gita 2-33 11. Bhagvad
Gita 11.36 12. Bhagvad
Gita 3.3 13. Ebid 14. Bhagvad
Gita 3.3 15. Bhagvad
Gita 16-7 16. Bhagvad
Gita 3.39 17. Bhagvad
Gita 3-37 18. Bhagvad
Gita 16.24
19. Bhagvad
Gita 16-24 |